Families Find Easter Joy at Egg Hunt

April 14, 2026

The Easter goodies may have been hidden, but the care our coworkers put into creating a memorable celebration for kids was everywhere in plain sight.

As part of Mercy Home’s Easter celebrations, dozens of members and families in our Community Care program gathered in the soccer building for the fourth annual Community Care Easter egg hunt.

The afternoon began with a catered lunch of pizza and pasta with families and old friends sitting together. Former Mercy Home residents reconnected, and children filled the field with games of tag and football. 

For many, Mercy Home is more than just a place; it’s a community, Community Care Clinical Director Susan Hackney noted last year. Community Care is always looking to create opportunities for members to come together in a space where they feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves.

Soon after, children of all ages sprinted around our indoor soccer field to collect brightly colored eggs filled with candy. The eggs were donated by Mariano’s and stuffed by the Ambassador of Mercy board earlier in the week at their annual Easter meal packing event. Some of the kids were lucky enough to find golden eggs, which could be exchanged for a prize. 

“[My favorite part] is always the egg hunt,” Community Care Coordinator Ashley Corbett said. “The kids know now to try and get the golden eggs because those are the jackpot with a prize.”

She said one of the most memorable moments each year is when the Easter Bunny makes an appearance. This year, Community Care volunteer Dylan Schaffer suited up as the Easter Bunny, posing for photos, handing out hugs, and delivering eggs to younger children.

“All the kids screamed and ran toward the bunny,” Corbett said. “They were so excited and took pictures with him. He was holding the babies and walking with the kids. Those are the top-tier moments.”

In addition to the egg hunt, this year’s celebration placed a special focus on supporting young families.

“We gave away baby items,” Corbett said. “We had an abundance of clothing, strollers, and other essentials stored in the Anderson building, and we were able to give those to new moms and those who are expecting.”

Children also received Easter baskets donated by Fill a Heart 4 Kids, each packed with items to take home, along with access to a variety of donated toys.

This event is intentionally designed with younger children in mind.

“When I started, we didn’t have an Easter celebration for Community Care,” Corbett said. “Our Christmas and summer events are often geared toward older youth, but we know many of our members have younger siblings or children of their own. We wanted to create something just for them and a space where they can have fun and just be kids.”

Events like the Easter egg hunt are a vital part of Community Care’s mission to support former residents beyond their time at Mercy Home. In addition to providing resources after their time at Mercy Home, the program thrives on connection, giving families a place to celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter together and giving them opportunities to stay engaged with a supportive network.

Earlier, the Ambassadors of Mercy board assembled Easter meal kits for Community Care families. The kits were filled with traditional Easter foods and were distributed in the days leading up to the event to ensure families could have their own holiday celebrations at home. 

The event also brings together participants from the Friends First mentoring program, offering a chance for mentors and mentees to connect. 

Thank you to all the coworkers and volunteers who helped make this year’s Easter celebrations such a success, and a hoppy occasion for our families.